Planning to go Mersing / Desaru for more objects to gaze

[thesti2]

Hi,

for context, I hv a 8" dob and a set equipments (ASKAR FMA 23, Star Adventurer GTi, ASI 533MC, etc) for DSO
I hv enjoyed moon, jupiter, saturn, mars, venus and also M30 for DSO in Singapore.

I hv been thinking of going to a darker place and bringing my telescopes. Since most pple in Sg seems to go to Mersing and Desaru. So I hv some questions:
1. Is it worth it going to Mersing / Desaru for star gazing? Will there be more objects to enjoy? Like, given a good sky condition, will I be able to see some DSO even with the 8" dob?
2. Which one is better, Mersing / Desaru? Can recommend as well which place to stay for stargazing?


Thank you.

[joachim.ong]

Yes it's worth it, if the sky is not cloudy. Mersing is darker since it's further from sg, Desaru is nearer and has more hotels so it might be a more comfortable especially if intending to bring family, kids etc. However most resorts are well lit so it's a tradeoff.